About Pro Rider

About Pro Rider

Pro Rider is a Motorcycle Rider Training Course Provider based in Nelson, New Zealand

Mission Statement

• Our aim is to provide a safe, fun learning environment that will enhance the riding experience of motorcyclists whilst minimising their risks on the road.

Summary of Objectives

• Provide regular training courses for motorcyclists at all levels of riding experience.
• Reduce the accidents & injures sustained by motorcyclists in New Zealand.
• Increase safety awareness around motorcycling to all road users.
• Assist ACC & Local Govt with any road safety initiatives.
• Work closely with motorcycle clubs and retailers to support motorcycle safety

Karel Pavich - Instructor

Karel has been riding motorcycles on the road, racetrack and off road for over 30 years. In 2006 she became NZs first woman to win a NZ Road Racing championship. Today she still competes in Australasia, successfully racing modern, classic and post classic machinery. She also competes in Vintage MX for fun, is a Ulysses Nelson member and rides on the road and off road.

Karel is keen to share the passion, skills & experience she has for two wheeling, helping others get the most out of this sport in a fun, friendly and rewarding environment. Karel rides a Triumph TT600 on the road

Karel is an NZTA Approved Motorcycle Instructor
Visit Karel's Racing Site KP Racing

Kevin Guthrie - Assistant Coach

Kevin is a constable with the Nelson Police force and is the regions dedicated motorcycle policeman. Kevin has extensive experience and knowledge in road safety and motorcycle training programmes. He is a very experienced motorcyclist himself, owns several bikes and enjoys riding in NZ and overseas on motorcycling holidays. Kevin is also a Nelson Ulysses member. Kevin rides a Moto Guzzi California on the road.

Dennis Charlett - Assistant Coach

Dennis was the 2008 NZ National 600cc Supersport Champion. He has ridden motorcycles since the age of 7, started racing at 15 and has competed in most aspects of motorcycling through the years. Dennis has found road racing to be where his enjoyment and performance are the strongest. The experience he has gained through taking his career to an International level has provided him with a professional approach that ensures success.
He takes the sport seriously and is dedicated to achieving the best results possible.

Lester Ferdinand - Technician/Assistant Coach

Lester has been a motorcyclist for over 30 years and as a qualified motorcycle mechanic has many years of experience around road and racing motorcycles. He has also raced speedway solos. Lester is also an owner of City Motorcycles Nelson and brings a depth of technical expertise and knowledge to the Pro Rider business. Lester rides a Yamaha XJ1300 on the road
Visit City Motorcycles

Jill Clendon - Assistant Coach

Jill has been riding motorbikes since 2005, having taken up riding to commute to work. A short blat at Pukekohe race track shortly after getting her license resulted in a passion for track days and racing. Jill went on to compete in the 2007 and 2008 National Road Racing Championships finishing 10th in Formula 3 in 2008 as the only woman competing in this class. Jill has also spent significant time on the road since starting riding and has completed two South Island tours and several North Island tours clocking up over 60,000km in 4 years. Jill rides a BMW F650 on the road

Sean Donnelly - Assistant Coach

Sean is a seasoned road racer who started competing on the racetrack in 1978 on a kawasaki Z1. He is a former NZ National Champion and now a Champion Post Classic racer. Seans recent results include 1st place Tri Series (Post Classics), 1st place Wanganui, 1st place Paeroa. Sean rides a Triumph Bonneville on the road and is a highly accomplished motorcycle rider bringing decades of experience and knowledge to his coaching.
Sean rides a Triumph Bonneville on the road.

Vicki Streifler - Assistant Coach

Vicki has always had a huge passion for motorcycling, started road riding at 15 years old and has never stopped. Her passion for racing was always there, but she never lived that dream until 2007. She has had wins and placings in BEARs and Open Pro twins including a win and placings at Sound of Thunder 2009. Vicki is currently a NZ record holder of the Production bike Open Standing Quarter Mile. She rides a Triumph 675 roadbike and is about to start racing a Triumph 675 on the track as well. Vicki's passion for motorcycling helps her share the knowledge and understanding she has for riding motorcycles. Vicki rides a Triumph 675 on the road.

Aaron Carr - Assistant Coach

Aaron has been riding motorcycles for most of his life and has had many learning experiences on and off the road. After 20 years in the RNZAF as an Aircraft Technician, he spent many years instructing troops how to fix aeronautical components. This leads him well into fixing the Team Air Force Race Bikes, and mentoring the motorcycle riders in the RNZAF. Aaron is beginning to fulfill his desire to move into the field of instructing civilian students, and has a passion for road safety which enables motorcyclists to enjoy riding in a safe environment.
Aaron rides a Honda CBR 600 on the road.